Police in Venezuela have already rounded up five suspects linked to the sickening murder of model and actress Monica Spear on Monday.

The former Miss Venezuela, 29, and her ex- husband, Thomas Henry Berry, were killed during an attempted robbery after their car broke down on Puerto Cabello-Valencia highway.

Bandits reportedly opened fire on the couple after Spear and Berry locked themselves inside the vehicle as they approached. The couple's five-year-old daughter, Maya, was also shot in the leg, but is expected to live.

Police believe the murder is the latest in a New Year crime wave that has hit Venezuela, claiming bandits are disabling vehicles and then attacking motorists as they wait for assistance.